A Bamboo & Honeysuckle Engagement Shoot for Casey and Victoria began with journeying to a Japanese Pagoda to a historical inn with deep Texas roots.
In the center of Inn on the Creek is a bamboo forest. Yes, you heard correctly. Steadily growing over the years, the winding path takes you to the unexpected charm of an artisan-built, Japanese style pagoda.
The Pagoda is completely surrounded by thick, green, towering bamboo. A private space that was a perfect starting point for an engagement shoot. I have always adored Japanese culture. When my mom told me I could redecorate my bedroom when I was 13, I painted it a deep purple and hung Japanese calligraphy on rice paper above my bed. I had kimono styled blue pjs and a lamp with bamboo designs on it. It was safe to say that I was all in. I found this space a couple of years ago. I knew immediately it would always hold a special place in my heart.
Victoria and Casey were absolute naturals in front of the camera, and their backdrop was more than romantic. Snuggling on the stairs of the pagoda, I captured them from a distance, using both digital and film. Wanting to add more variety to their session, we did a quick wardrobe change, and journeyed over to one of my favorite spaces, The Stagecoach Inn. Named a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this 1861 gem is the oldest building in Salado.
“Y’all made our first shoot such a comfortable and fun experience!
We adore every single one and love that the photos are not over edited but you added just the right touch to bring out
that natural light to make them pop.” -Victoria
Behind the restaurant is a deck that runs the length of the building. White, green and purple hues blended in with the golden hour that all of us photographers chase after. Honeysuckle traveled up the metal fencing to create a wall of green around the pool. The combination of Victoria’s dark purple velvet top, her brunette locks and the couple’s blue jeans, would add deep and rich color tones that I always seek to find in my images. I can ask clients to do things that might seem strange in a normal environment. I ask for repetitive movements, I converse with them to get natural emotions, and I even throw a ridiculous joke out there to see where it lands.
I can honestly say Casey and Victoria took everything in stride and seemed effortless in their movements with each other. Clients like these make every image magazine worthy, and their wedding this October will not be any different.
xoxo- Rae Allen Photography
Info@raeallen.com
